At least 37 people were killed after torrential rains triggered flash floods in Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, authorities said. State broadcaster SNRT News reported that at least 14 people were hospitalised, including two in intensive care, after heavy rain on Sunday swept cars and debris through the town, about 300km south of Rabat. Local authorities said more than 70 homes and businesses in the historic old city were flooded within an hour, while search and rescue operations and support efforts for affected residents remain ongoing.

Morocco positions itself at the centre of Atlantic geopolitics and long-term reform debates

Morocco is being highlighted as a central actor in discussions around geopolitics , structural reforms, and future-oriented policy planning through the “Perspectives 2030” framework. The Policy Centre’s focus places the country at the heart of the Atlantic Dialogues, underscoring Morocco’s growing role as a convening power between Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic world. This positioning reflects sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic economic planning, and an emphasis on long-term stability and influence in regional and transatlantic affairs.

Morocco–EBRD contracts set to reach a record $1 billion in 2025

Greg Guyett, first Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said 2025 is a record year for EBRD contract signings with Morocco, totalling about $1 billion , driven by strong government partnerships and private sector collaboration. He said the bank will continue investing to support business growth, particularly for SMEs, with a focus on energy, industry, water, renewable energy, grid upgrades, and education programs that empower youth and women.

Government explores a new framework to recognise and support women’s unpaid household work

Morocco is examining the development of a new policy framework aimed at addressing women’s unpaid household labour , a long-standing issue in social and economic policy. This initiative signals increased attention to gender equity, social protection, and the economic value of care work that has traditionally gone unrecognised. The exploration of such a framework suggests a broader reform agenda focused on inclusion, labour recognition, and social justice within national development priorities.

Morocco reiterates a firm and fair position on the Sahara issue under King Mohammed VI’s leadership

The head of government has reaffirmed Morocco’s firm and fair stance on the Sahara issue, emphasising continuity and clarity under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. This position reflects the state’s consistent diplomatic narrative, combining sovereignty claims with calls for pragmatic and realistic solutions. The reiteration underscores the centrality of the Sahara issue to Morocco’s foreign policy, national unity, and international engagement strategy.

Footage from Thursday shows families wading through muddy water and salvaging what little they could. Children, the elderly, and livestock were seen being carried to safety, Viory reports.

Another resident, Maimuna Mohammed, recounted the terrifying moment the waters surged. “The flood caught us unaware. My children and an elderly woman were rescued from the water. Our belongings were swallowed, and what remained is now completely damaged.”

Abdullaziz Mohammed said his house partially collapsed under the weight of the water. “There was no road for people to get out. The water blocked everywhere. We’ve never seen damage like this, even thinking back to last year’s flood,” he said.

Local officials have yet to issue a full damage assessment.

The remarks, made by senior Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, came after Israel reportedly approved a military strategy that includes the long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to an Israeli official.

The ongoing conflict , triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents at least once.

A two-month blockade, in place since early March, has significantly deepened the humanitarian crisis.

“There is no point in discussing ceasefire proposals while the hunger and extermination war persists in Gaza,” Naim told AFP.

The tragedy which ocurred at the Jet Set nightclub in the early hours of April 8, sending shockwaves through the nation. Relatives of missing people were still waiting desperately for news Wednesday of their loved ones outside the ruined club, at hospitals and at the local morgue.

Over 300 rescue workers, aided by sniffer dogs, had spent two days combing through mounds of fallen bricks, steel bars and tin sheets, supported by firefighters from Puerto Rico and Israel.

Mark Friedlander, a director at the Insurance Information Institute, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the destruction, noting that the economic losses could reach between $20 billion and $30 billion. This surpasses previous records and underscores the severity of the situation.

The fires have not only destroyed thousands of homes and businesses but have also disrupted lives and livelihoods. The insurance industry is bracing for a massive influx of claims, which could lead to increased premiums and stricter underwriting practices in the future.

The tragedy—South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster—occurred on December 29, claiming 179 lives and leaving only two survivors, both crew members seated in the tail section.

Efforts to control the blaze were delayed due to water shortages and other challenges.

Samuel Amoah, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, described the situation as “heartbreaking” while speaking to local media outlets .

According to him, the fire may not have been an accident but a planned attack.

While investigations have been launched, outgoing and incoming governments have been urged to help rebuild the market.

Many traders have lost both their homes and livelihoods as a result of the fire and have since begun clearing the debris and rebuilding stalls.

The traders hope for swift support to recover their businesses and livelihoods.

The ill-fated flight, 7C2216, was arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) as the aircraft attempted to land at the southern airport, the South Korean transport ministry confirmed. 

Two crew members were rescued from the wreckage, while officials indicated that the remaining passengers and crew are presumed dead. 

This is the deadliest air accident ever on South Korean soil and the worst involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades.

Over 890 cases of foodborne illnesses have been reported since September.

The government also plans to speed up new laws for better hygiene in rural and township areas. These laws will focus on proper waste disposal and recycling to keep business areas clean.

According to Simelane, the measure will help deal with the issue of rat infestations in the communities.

As part of efforts to tackle the problem, a team of health experts will be formed to find long-term solutions and the government will also begin recording deaths of children under 12 caused by foodborne illnesses.

“This will help us to understand the burden of disease and the population at risk in real-time,” Simelane was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is working to update its regulations to make these changes possible. The updates will be linked to the declared State of Disaster.

The shortage of health inspectors is also being addressed to ensure that all areas have enough inspectors to monitor food safety and protect people’s lives.

The fiery lava and rocks hit settlements within a 4-kilometre radius, causing a power outage and heavy rain, adding to the residents' panic.

The eruption has affected over 10,000 people in the Wulanggitang District, with six villages—Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang—being the hardest hit.

According to Petrus Muda Turan, the village head of Klatanlo, there was no sign of an eruption.

"At that time, most of the villagers were sleeping. We were not aware the volcano was erupting. It started with the sounds of thunder then lightning, followed by rain. So we thought it was just normal, rain came with thunder and lightning," he told AFP.

Abdul Muhari, the spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB, confirmed the death toll at a news conference, noting that 10,295 people had been affected by the eruptions. He mentioned that the number of evacuees was still being determined.

The East Flores Regional Disaster Management Agency has raised the alert status to its highest level and recommended a 7-kilometre evacuation radius around the volcano.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The country has experienced several significant volcanic events in recent years, highlighting the ongoing risk to its population.

Tropical Storm Trami has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, causing significant rainfall and resultant floods that have tragically led to fatalities. The adverse weather conditions have necessitated the efforts of rescue workers who are actively engaged in evacuating those in peril, Sky News reports. The storm's trajectory suggests an ongoing threat to the region, raising concerns over disaster preparedness and management protocols in place for future occurrences.

Murder of broadcast journalist

The Philippines has expressed outrage over the murder of broadcast journalist Maria Vilma Rodriguez, aged 56, who was fatally shot in Zamboanga City. The office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for an exhaustive investigation into this grievous act, highlighting it as part of a concerning trend wherein five journalists have lost their lives since Marcos' presidency commenced in June 2022. Notably, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reported a disconcerting total of 200 journalist fatalities since the restoration of democracy in 1986. According to news agency The Sun , the authorities have apprehended a suspect and are investigating potential familial motives.

Celebrity pastor denies sexual abuse allegations

Adding to the country's tumult, pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, has vehemently denied fresh allegations of sexual abuse as he testified before a Senate inquiry following his indictment for trafficking and related charges. Quiboloy faces serious accusations from former church members, including grooming minors and compelling followers into labour and sexual acts. He challenged these accusers to advance their claims legally, asserting their allegations to be fabricated, Channel News Asia reports. Victims, such as Teresita Valdehueza, have detailed traumatic experiences involving the pastor, while Yulya Tartova has also alleged coercion into sexual encounters.

Fatalities from the storm

Compounding the situation in the region, Tropical Storm Trami has resulted in 14 confirmed fatalities and compelled thousands of individuals to evacuate their homes. Rescue teams are navigating perilous chest-deep floodwaters to rescue stranded residents from the clutches of torrential rain, which has led to extensive flooding, particularly submerging villages and encasing vehicles in volcanic debris, Daily Journal reported.

Online gambling

In a related context, the Indonesian National Police have successfully repatriated 67 out of 69 citizens who faced arrest in the Philippines for suspected involvement in online gambling and cyber scams. This action followed a crackdown by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). According to Indonesian media Jakarta Globe , although two Indonesian nationals remain in custody as suspects, many among the repatriated individuals assert that they were victims of human trafficking. Nevertheless, officials have clarified that a majority identified as participants in both illegal gambling operations and scams. This operation comes in the wake of the Philippines' terminating operations of Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), significantly impacting the workforce across both legitimate and illicit avenues in the sector.

At least 59 persons have lost their lives since September 27, and at least 44 are missing.

Authorities have warned of flash floods in multiple rivers while rescue teams make efforts to find missing persons.

‘So far, there are 59 dead, 36 wounded and 44 missing,” local news reports said.

Residents were seen standing on top of buildings and others waded through the murky water to get to safety.

“As the rain become more intense, water gushed into the cabin of our truck at around. We jumped, swam, and got away from it. But my purse, bag and mobile have been swept away by the river. I have nothing now. We stayed the whole night in the cold,” a resident, Hari Om Malla told the AFP.

So far, more than 3,000 security personnel have been deployed to assist rescue efforts using helicopters and motorboats.

Rescue teams are also using rafts to pull survivors to safety.

Concerns are rising over a possible ISIS presence in Nepal following revelations linking a senior Nepal Police officer to terrorism-financing activities associated with the extremist group. Interpol's National Central Bureau in Singapore has urged the Nepal Police to investigate DSP Hem Bahadur Shahi, alongside two other individuals suspected of ties to ISIS. This investigation was prompted after Interpol requested background information on the trio, highlighting fears that ISIS affiliates may be operating in the country. According to My Republica , DSP Shahi, originally from Kailali, is among those suspected of connection to terrorism financing.

Chief of Army Staff

President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the insignia of Chief of Army Staff on Ashok Raj Sigdel in a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas. Sigdel succeeds Prabhu Ram Sharma and will serve a three-year term. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, and President Paudel also administered the oath of office. Sigdel's leadership becomes effective on September 9, following Sharma's mandatory retirement leave, media agency, Kathmandu Post reported.

Landslide

Landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains have blocked the Karnali Highway in Nepal, particularly at Ismod and Gaganekhola, disrupting traffic and stranding passengers from Jumla, Kalikot, and Mugu. Efforts are underway to clear the debris. In a separate incident, the bodies of a couple who went missing in a landslide in Jajarkot have been retrieved, while their injured daughter has been sent for treatment, DD News reported.

Electrocution deaths

Rising electrocution deaths in Nepal have been attributed to the negligence of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). In Madhesh Province alone, 449 people have died from electric shocks in the past five years. Recently, a 13-year-old boy died after climbing a tree that contacted a live wire, leading to local protests against NEA's mismanagement. Other tragic incidents include a family of three electrocutions and subsequent injuries due to faulty electrical infrastructure. The National Human Rights Commission is investigating the situation, urging NEA to enhance safety measures amidst rising profits, according to media agency, Kathmandu Post .

Financial and technical assistance

Germany has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of 51 million euros (approximately Rs 7.5 billion) in financial and technical assistance over the next two years. The funds will be used to improve health infrastructure, promote renewable energy, strengthen local government institutions, and support economic and social development, My Republica reported. The discussions highlighted the importance of development partners in helping Nepal achieve its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Nepali delegation, led by Joint Secretary Dhani Ram Sharma, also emphasized collaboration on climate change, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

According to the medical staff at a treatment centre in Hays, they are overwhelmed by the number of patients who troop into the centre daily. He further warned that the facility could be shut down without urgent support.

"The influx of patients from all villages near the hospital has increased because of the floods and rain in the Hays district these days. We are now facing a medical crisis which, if it's not tackled by the concerned authorities, will turn into an even bigger disaster. The staff on duty is overwhelmed and could fall apart at any moment and the centre could be closed," Bakil al-Hadrami, a doctor told AFP.

He also added that out of the over 530 patients attended to between the 1st and 18th of August, only three tested positive for cholera but the figure does not rule out an epidemic.

"Between the 1st and 18th of August, we've received 530 suspected cases (of cholera, ed.), three of which were confirmed positive following testing in a lab in nearby Taiz. This is evidence that the cholera epidemic is present and spreading within Hays. The cases aren't from one single village but from several villages. So we have this situation and now with the rain, it will only get worse and worse," Bakil explained.

The UN also reports that Yemen's suspected cholera cases could rise from 164,000 to 250,000 without immediate support.

Live footage captured by local media showed streams of orange lava illuminating the night sky as thick smoke billowed upwards.

The eruption, which started at 9:26 pm (2126 GMT) on the Sundhnuksgigarod, was preceded by a series of earthquakes, the IMO reported.

While the full extent of the fissure remains unassessed, this latest eruption comes just two months after the previous one, which lasted more than three weeks. The Reykjanes peninsula, located in southwestern Iceland, has become increasingly active after remaining dormant for eight centuries until a significant eruption in March 2021, the AFP reports.

Authorities have begun evacuating the nearby fishing village of Grindavik as a precaution, similar to previous eruptions. The number of residents currently in the area remains unknown.

Uganda has successfully sent its first export container to Serbia, valued at USD 56,000. The shipment, which includes coffee, banana flour, and artisanal crafts, marks a significant milestone in economic collaboration between the two countries, Chim reports indicate. This development signals Uganda's commitment to expanding its trade footprint and diversifying its economy. The successful export also paves the way for future trade endeavours, with plans for ten more containers in the pipeline.

Investigation into landfill collapse

24 people have died in a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Uganda. President Museveni has ordered an investigation, questioning why people were living near the unstable garbage heap. The landfill has been a source of complaints for years, and efforts to decommission it have stalled since 2016. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but heavy rain has hampered progress. At least 14 people have been rescued so far, and tents have been set up for those displaced by the disaster, ABC News reported.

Miss Uganda

23-year-old Natasha Nyonyozi was crowned Miss Uganda for 2024/2025, beating 26 contestants. She impressed judges and will represent Uganda at Miss World. Other winners include Suraya Umeimah Bashuaeb and Joan Nabatanzi. Nyonyozi drove off in a new car and the event was also attended by Miss Tanzania, The Observer reported.

Landfill collapse

A landfill collapse in Uganda has resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals who were buried in rubbish. According to Sky News , rescuers are still digging through the rubble in the capital, Kampala, days after disaster struck at the Kiteezi landfill on Friday. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for improved waste management and safety measures at landfills.

Ugandan shilling

The Ugandan shilling strengthened slightly on Monday, August 12 due to decreased demand for foreign currency. Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,718/3,728 compared to Friday's close of 3,722/3,732. This trend was attributed to a weaker appetite for hard currency across the board, CNBC Africa explained.

The 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement indicated that the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 significantly contributed to the surge in numbers, with the country now hosting 9.1 million internally displaced individuals, marking the highest number globally, up from 3.6 million at the close of 2022.

Further, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), plagued by persistent armed conflict, primarily in its eastern region, ranked third globally with 6.7 million IDPs while Somalia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria followed closely, each with a minimum of 3 million IDPs, the report indicated.

The International Displacement Monitoring Centre cautioned that without sustainable solutions addressing peace, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation, the number of displaced people is likely to continue rising. Globally, out of the 75.9 million IDPs recorded by the end of 2023, 68.3 million were displaced by conflict and violence, while 7.7 million were displaced by disasters.

Generally, the report highlighted that the escalation of conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Palestine, forced millions more to flee in 2023, compounding the already dire situation for tens of millions living in displacement due to ongoing or past conflicts. 

IDPs are individuals who have been compelled to leave their residences due to conflict, violence, or natural calamities but have not crossed an internationally recognised border. 

The Police Annual Crime Report 2023 has revealed a significant reduction in crime in Uganda from 231, 653 cases in 2022 to 228, 074 cases in 2023. This was contained in the report released by Martin Okoth Ochola, the recently retired inspector general of police On February 21, 2024. The report indicates that the crime reduction is due to the expansion of the police canine unit, reorganization of the CID, improved detection methods, and strategic partnerships with the community. It also noted that collaborative efforts with sister agencies such as the UPDF, Prisons, and JIC further contributed to the reduction in cases. The Uganda Police Canine unit carried out 20,897 trackings, 16,341 arrests, and the recovery of 6554 exhibits, representing a 21 percent improvement from 2022, according to the Observer .

Head-on collision results in death and injuries

At least 14 people are feared dead and one injured after a collision involving six vehicles. According to local news outlet Bukedde , the vehicles collided in Butema village in Muwayo Town Council in Bugiri around 4.00 PM local time. The accident involved four trucks and two vans in a head-on collision. Resident District Commissioner Paul Mwidu Kalikwani said ten bodies were recovered by the police and transported to the morgue. The deceased persons were identified as Juliet Bakulimya, former Bulguyi district councillor, Yosamu Wasike, Hajara Nandego, Kenyan Jemus Kitavewo, Shalif Sempijja, Joyce Nabirye, Antony Mulokole and some others who are yet to be identified.

Cabinet queries agric commissioner

Uganda’s Cabinet has questioned the Commissioner of Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) following the issuance of a directive imposing a quarantine in Kampala without consulting the other concerned government ministries. The Commissioner Dr Anna Rose Ademun on March 1 wrote a letter to the executive director of Kampala City Authority to impose a quarantine after an incident of foot and mouth disease was detected in Kaobowa in Rubaga Division on February 28. According to The Monitor , the Commissioner was asked by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja to apologise to the Cabinet for her actions.

Aftermath of boat wreck

Police in Uganda have released the names of victims who died in a boatwreck in the Nile. The bodies of the deceased persons, Grace, 22 of Kapa Kalebi Balabala, Bussi, and Lucky 22 of Kapa Kalebi Balabala, Bussi were recovered on March 12, according to Bukedde . The bodies of other deceased persons, Emmanuel Nsubuga, Francis Mundenkye, and Mama Clare are still missing. Several others who were rescued were also listed. The boat with 17 passengers, about 200 potato heads, seven bags of coconuts, and other items reportedly was swept away by the wind when it reached the Kacanga area.

LGBTQ+ issues

LGBTQ rights activist Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has vowed to contest a court of appeal ruling in a case filed against the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. The company was refused the registration of the name Sexual Minorities Uganda by the High Court, a decision that was supported by the Court of Appeal’s ruling. According to The Independent , the group says the court failed to address the suppression of their freedom of association but focused on societal norms. Executive Director at SMUG while expressing disappointment said “Despite the judiciary’s conservative tilt, and susceptibility to the public sentiment, our commitment to championing LGBTQ rights remains resolute”.